From Urban to Pristine: Spas of Alberta

The spa amenities are as impressive as the range of services, and include an indoor Hungarian thermal mineral pool, an indoor saltwater swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, steam and inhalation rooms, three cascading waterfall massage pools (all with different temperatures and pressures), and 25 spacious treatment rooms including a deluxe couples suite with a Japanese soaking tub and a fireplace.

rom the bustle of the city to the spectacular beauty of the great outdoors, from ancient traditions and historic times to the ultimate in modern pampering designed to nourish body and soul Catherine Beattie discovers that Alberta has a memorable spa experience for everyone.

Eveline Charles Salon Spa

Relaxing in the peaceful ambience of the spa, surrounded by palms and foliage plants, scented candles and the soothing sound of cascading water, it was hard to believe I was in West Edmonton Mall - the world's largest retail and entertainment complex with a staggering 800 shops, 110 restaurants, 21 movie screens, eight major visitor attractions and even a 355-bedroom hotel all under one gigantic roof!

WEM (as the mall is called) is Alberta's number one tourist attraction catering for spa goers (ten day spas) as well as shopaholics - which is how I came to be sitting in the Eveline Charles Spa having the best manicure of my life. As my neglected hands were transformed with exfoliation, warm paraffin wax, cozy mitts and an application of shiny polish, Tamara, my friendly aesthetician, related how entrepreneur Eveline Charles started the business as a one-person operation in 1984. Now the company has spas in Vancouver and Calgary and three in Edmonton and is one of the biggest day spa operators in Canada. The company also runs a training academy and recently launched its own EC label haircare, cosmetic and spa products.

The spa is located on WEM's Upper Level overlooking the Ice Palace (skating rink). You pass through a large hair salon to the reception desk where you are welcomed and shown to the changing rooms and waiting areas. Like the treatment rooms, these are tucked away out of sight on different (and quieter) levels. The spa offers a choice of nine different facials, 24 body treatments and several fabulous signature treatments or you can opt for hydrotherapy (salt, mud or Javanese floral baths) or a Vichy shower. Dauphine and Decleor treatments and products are also available.

This busy, efficient and friendly urban spa has a something for everyone and is the perfect antidote to the bustle of the mall.

Eveline Charles Spa

City Centre, West Edmonton Mall, Southgate Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
www.evelinecharles.com Tel: 780 424 5666

Carrie l Salon & Spa

If you prefer a more intimate type of urban spa, then Carrie l Salon & Spa is the perfect choice. This boutique spa is located in the heart of Edmonton with convenient parking behind the salon. All the spa treatments, hairdressing and beauty services are carried out in the cozy confines of a converted town house.

Treatment rooms are on the small side, but comfortably furnished with all the usual spa niceties like candles and soft music. The remarkably extensive treatment menu is like a book - 16 pages long and offering everything from basic facials to full day spa packages, specialized hairdressing and grooming services. The spa has won various awards over the years and the friendly and innovative team of spa therapists, hair stylists and aestheticians offer a highly personalized service. After my pampering pedicure, my feet felt and looked immaculate for almost a month.

Carrie l Salon & Spa

11414-100 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T50J4
www.carriel.ca Tel: 780 482 4044

Elk Island Retreat

A totally different de-stressing and wellbeing experience is offered at Elk Island Retreat, a private campground adjoining Elk Island National Park in a glorious forest setting about 40 minutes east of Edmonton. Visitors are encouraged to learn about Canadian Aboriginal culture, heritage and spirituality from Jerry and Gis le Wood, two professional Aboriginal educators. You can visit for a day or camp overnight in teepees or trappers cabins.

The Sweat Ceremony is used for healing purposes and provides a gentle, caring cleansing of mind, body and spirit. It is a time of prayer and communicating with the Creator -religion is not important as the experience is personal for each participant. The ceremony is carried out an in a lodge built of willow, tamarack and birch covered with tarpaulins to contain the heat and keep out the light. Four sacred herbs - tobacco, sweet grass, cedar and wild sage are used to create the smudges or incense used in the ceremony. Participants change into ankle-length gowns or swimming trunks and sit on mats around a central pit filled with sacred stones, which are heated on a fire and then brought into the lodge.

As it gets very hot in the lodge, the ceremony includes three short breaks when visitors can step outside to cool off. A person can leave the lodge at any time the special protocol to follow is explained by the Elder conducting the ceremony.

Special breathing techniques, meditations, shared prayers, songs and storytelling are all part of this unique detoxifying experience which lasts between one and three hours and enhances mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Interestingly, the sauna and steam rooms found in modern spas evolve from rituals like the sweat lodge ceremony and have been practiced by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Variations still in use today include the Russian bania, Finnish sauna, Mexican temazcal and the hammans of Turkey, North Africa and the Middle East- an integral part of Islamic purifying beliefs.

Eagle Spirit Cultural Programs, Inc.
Elk Island Retreat Ltd, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
www.eagle-spirit.ca Tel: 780 485 2497

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Imagine staying in the same room used by the Queen of England! You can if you book into room 177 in the Lodge's secluded six-bedroom Outlook Cabin. Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed a private break at the famous alpine resort when she visited Canada in 2005 for Alberta's Centennial celebrations.

Located in 903 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the resort started up in 1915 as a few tents beside Lac B
eauvert and its development embodies the arrival of the railway to Western Canada and subsequent growth of tourism to Alberta. Today's guests stay in comfortably appointed cedar chalets and log cabins and can enjoy a wide range of seasonal activities such as golf, tennis, whitewater rafting and horseback riding in summer, and skiing, canyon walks, skating and horse-drawn wagon rides in winter. Swimming is available throughout the year in the outdoor heated pool, but less hardy souls can keep active indoors with the exercise studio, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and the Insignia Salon & Spa.

The spa offers hair and grooming services as well as spa treatments and specialist alternative therapies, recognized for their health restorative powers. These include: Craniosacral Therapy and Somatoemotional Release, which uses gentle non-invasive techniques to the head, torso and pelvis to modify and correct problems in the body caused by trauma or injury; Reiki, the gentle laying on of hands to facilitate the transfer of energy from therapist to client. This energy then releases any blockages in the system which in turn balances the body; Thai Foot Massage - a foot, ankle and calf massage using Thai reflexology and Therapeutic Touch - performed with the therapist moving the hands over the whole body without actual contact. The therapist 'feels' for hot and cold spots, which indicate an energy block often caused by stress or physical injury and can then use massage to undo blockages and ease pain.

The therapists performing these different treatments have all been certified in their chosen fields of expertise, so you can rest assured that you are literally in good hands. And what finer way to end an active day in the wilderness than with a relaxing massage or a soothing restorative treatment?

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Old Lodge Road, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
www.fairmont.com/jasper Tel: 780 852 3301

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The drive between Jasper and Lake Louise is one of the most scenic in the world, encompassing snowcapped mountains, emerald lakes, icefields and forests. You can stop off at the Columbia Icefield to take a trip onto a glacier, or visit the thundering waters of the Athabasca Falls before arriving at Lake Louise and one of Canada's most photographed hotels: Chateau Lake Louise. The legendary hotel beside the green waters of Lake Louise has unsurpassed views and was originally built at the end of the 19th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway to attract rich tourists to western Canada in the summer months. Today the hotel is open all year round, and is as popular with winter sports enthusiasts as it is with summer visitors thanks to its magnificent snowscapes, world-class skiing and exciting winter activities. The hotel is a magnet for tourists visiting Banff and Lake Louise, so the hotels ground floor areas, shops, restaurants and grounds are extremely busy during the day.

Fortunately, you can find peace and quiet in the appropriately named Escape Spa on the Lower Lobby level for some revitalizing pampering. The spa has been extensively renovated in the last couple of years and now has 16 treatment rooms including a hydrotherapy suite and a candlelit couple's room.

Aveda products and treatments are featured exclusively, and the spa menu, while not extensive, includes several choices of quality facials and massages, as well as body wraps, scrubs, manicures and pedicures. A full range of hair services is also provided. Aveda spa philosophy is based on the five elements found in nature (and within each of us), air, water, fire, earth and infinity, and all the Elemental Nature treatments are designed to restore balance and wellbeing. Clients complete a questionnaire and then a therapist creates self-care rituals and personalized treatments.

So reluctant was I to leave my spacious room with its 'to die for' views, that I was tempted to book an in-room massage. However, I fancied a session in the steam room and a soothing cup of herbal tea, so opted for a Fusion Stone Massage in the spa. This therapeutic indulgence combines relaxing massage with hot and cold stones and the use of sage, cedar and sweetgrass oils. I nodded off half way through, vainly trying to work out if hot or cold stones were being placed under my neck. It seems that when you get accustomed to the smoothness and weight of the stones on your body, sensations like heat and cold become less acute, resulting in a state of total relaxation.

I could have recovered quickly from my treatment-induced inertia by having a swim in the indoor pool or a workout in the fitness room. But all I wanted to do was to return to my room and take in the incredible vistas before darkness descended. Although I only stayed one night, the memory of that incredible view will stay with me forever.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Alberta, Canada TOL 1EO
www.fairmont.com/lakelouise Tel: 403 522 3511

Fairmont Banff Springs

Banff Springs is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest and most famous resorts. It was the first of the legendary Canadian Pacific Railway hotels taking 16 years to construct. Built in the style of a vast turreted Scottish castle, it was finally completed in 1888 its vast grey presence dominating the little spa town of Banff ever since.

Standing on the banks of the Bow River in a beautiful valley overlooked by snow-capped mountain peaks, forests and tumbling waterfalls, this great edifice has been the symbol of Canadian hospitality for over a century. Royalty, heads of state, the rich and famous have all passed through its mighty portals to enjoy its opulence, seclusion and the outstanding beauty of its surroundings. Continuously enlarged and refined over the years and with various changes of ownership, Banff Springs is now a Fairmont property and has 770 guest rooms, many with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, 12 restaurants, 19 shops and boutiques and a plethora of summer and winter sporting activities.

Not only is the scenery magnificent and the resort the height of luxury and comfort, but the spa at Fairmont Banff Springs is also one of Fairmont's elite Willow Stream spas. A multi-million dollar refurbishment at the end of 2003 has created one of North America's largest and most luxurious spas, covering an area of 38,000 square feet.

The spa amenities are as impressive as the range of services, and include an indoor Hungarian thermal mineral pool, an indoor saltwater swimming pool, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, steam and inhalation rooms, three cascading waterfall massage pools (all with different temperatures and pressures), and 25 spacious treatment rooms including a deluxe couples suite with a Japanese soaking tub and a fireplace. You can order a healthy lunch or a drink in the unisex relaxation room with its glorious mountain vistas or just cozy up with a book beside th
e log fire.

The vast treatments menu has been specially designed to enable guests to refresh and rejuvenate after a day of hiking, golf or skiing. Signature treatments are based on the natural energy and restorative power of the mountains and include the super 90-minute Find Your Energy Body Experience. This begins with a gentle dry brush exfoliation to stimulate the skin followed by a bath infused with chamomile to release tension and loosen the muscles. After this you are massaged with rosehip oil and given a rosehip infused body wrap and a remineralizing face massage. This restores energy and leaves your skin and body feeling soft and well nourished. Blissful!

If you get the chance, do try one of the spa's fabulous Kur experiences these are like treatments in traditional European spas but without the austerity and use thermal water, healing muds, algae, oils and herbs. Therapeutic mud is daubed over the limbs and body, which are then covered in cellophane to allow the mud to generate heat. The heat and special healing properties in the mud ease painful or stiff muscles and joints and soften the skin. Ideally, Kur experiences should be taken three days in a row to allow the beneficial minerals to be absorbed and accumulated in the body.

The spa has also devised a unique program of treatments and products for golfers. A popular example is The Willow Stream Golf Facial, which aims to hydrate and protect the skin from the effects of wind and sun. A shoulder, hand and foot massage is also incorporated in the facial, to relax and ease out any tight or painful muscles before or after a game.

This magnificent spa is open to day guests as well as hotel residents and a visit is an absolute must if you are ever in the Banff area.

The Fairmont Banff Springs

405 Spray Avenue PO Box 960, Banff, Alberta, Canada T1L 1J4
www.fairmont.com/banffsprings Tel: 403 762 2211

Summit Spa at the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis

Just an hour's drive from Calgary with a fantastic setting in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Delta Lodge's spectacular location was chosen to host Olympic Alpine events and a summit for G8 World leaders. The resort overlooks the stunning Kananaskis Valley, which provided the backdrop for the Oscar-nominated movie Brokeback Mountain, while more recently, RV, Robin Williams latest movie hit was shot here.

Unpretentious and family-friendly, Delta Lodge offers great package deals for everyone - wine weekends, stress escape spa breaks, golf packages, anniversary specials and many others. The setting in the Canadian wilderness is a haven for family vacationers thanks to the resort's popular educational and entertaining children's activities.

In addition to breathtaking views from its 321 comfortable rooms, the resort offers great dining and a wonderfully cozy lounge with a huge log fire. Summer and winter outdoor activities include golf, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and of course skiing and winter sports. You can indulge in some pampering in the Summit Spa, which has eight treatment rooms and uses luxury products by Comfort Zone and Essential Elements. Try a therapeutic massage, facial, body wrap or revitalizing mud treatment and be refreshed and revitalized. You can also enjoy the benefits of swimming in an indoor heated salt water pool or use the spa's other amenities including indoor/outdoor whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna and a fully equipped gym.

Delta Lodge and Summit Spa at Kananskis

PO Box 249, Kananaskis Village, Alberta T0L 2H0
www.deltalodge.albertanetwork.com Tel: 403 591 7711

OraOxygen Spa Services

A brilliant idea for long distance travelers: at Calgary Airport: You can improve your health and wellbeing with a half-hour oxygen session before or after your long haul flight. You simply sit with a light oxygen mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally. During the session you can have a relaxing foot massage or a manicure, so you arrive or depart looking and feeling your best. The body's oxygen levels are depleted by long haul flights causing us to feel tired, anxious or even faint. An oxygen session relieves jet lag, lowers levels of stress and anxiety and boosts the immune system. Other benefits include improved concentration, alertness and circulation and increased fat burning!

OraOxygen also offers grooming services, aromatherapy, therapeutic massage, showers, ear candling and light therapy.

You can find Oraoxygen Spas on the Departure Level at Calgary International (Tel; 403 717 3744) and at the Edward McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (Tel 734 247 4770).

Catherine Beattie is a UK-based health and travel writer/publisher with a lifelong interest in spas. Her credentials include writing and publishing several consumer guides including Healthy Breaks in Britain & Ireland (the UK's first spa guide) and The Really Useful Guides. Catherine was founding editor of Spa Health & Beauty magazine and contributes to many UK national newspapers and magazines including The Sunday Times, The Express, Here's Health and Harpers & Queen. She is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, Guild of Health Writers and Spa Business Association.